Gilmer High cross country was back in Blairsville for a yearly meet.
The annual Union County Season Opener was held at Meek’s Parks last Thursday, and the GHS Lady Cats turned in a runner-up placement in the nine-team field. They were narrowly edged by White County, 41-48, and host Union was third (52).
The Bobcats accumulated 111 team points and finished sixth, but were only two points behind third-place Johnson. Union was fist over Rockmart, 44-52.
White County’s Carley Black was one of three Warriors in the top six and she won the race with a time of 21:17.29. Lady Cat freshman Ella Schwartz continued to be Gilmer’s fastest runner and she completed the course in 22:43. 36 for fifth place.
Also securing top-20 spots and earning team points were Lady Cats Jennifer Garcia (10th, 24:10.47), Allison Hernandez (12th, 24:34.71), Salma Gonzalez (13th, 24:43.05) and Jayla Walker (17th, 26:23.89).
The usual suspects led the way for the Bobcats as well. Dawson Richard (11th, 19:43.55) was just ahead of 12th place Seth Turner (19:52.82). Leeland Dantin (19th, 20:21.44), Jeremy Martinez Farfan (23rd, 20:44.97) Eddie Alonzo-Alcon (59th, 23:07.94) rounded out the top five.
Also running for the Bobcats were Edward Marietta (75th, 23:59.99), Jacob Pantoja (79th, 24:10.97, Alex Alonzo-Loarca (87th, 25:13.15), Cung Sang (97th, 25:45.87), Asa Leigh (116th, 28:43.82), Daniel Gonzales (119th, 29:53.88) and Ethan Nolasco-Chun (129th, 35:03.83).
Remaining Lady Cats included Lauren Smith (21st, 26:51.24), Estephany Becerra (25th, 27:50.69), Selina Tercero Bautista (26th, 27:57.51), Melanie Toledo-Guzman (48th, 31:41.68, Braelyn Nolasco-Chun (49th, 31:41.74), Josselyn Sanchez-Cecilio (64th, 35:09.70, Alicia Tercero-Rafael (69th, 36:06.35), Evelyn Martinez Garcia (72nd, 37:57.15), Jennifer Mateo-Gaspar (80th, 40:42.98) and Juana Tercero-Rafael (83rd, 44:49.62).